Wild Shadow : A Sweet Paranormal Romance

by Martha Dunlop

  For the first time Tabitha saw a glint of something genuine in his eyes. She smiled back. ‘Lead the way.’

  8

  Tabitha

  Max put a key into the lock of an inconspicuous door at the side of the enclosure, opened it and ushered her in. ‘Come on inside. I know it’s not luxurious, but there’s a comfortable chair you could sit in while you draw. And it’s warm.’

  His chest was puffed out and he had a huge grin on his face as he gestured towards the enormous male, which paced backwards and forwards in front of the bars. The cat yowled at them but didn’t stop pacing.

  Tabitha looked around the room. It was nicer than she had expected, but there was a general air of grubbiness. The once-white surfaces were a mottle of grey and yellow, and the flowery armchair in the corner was stained. But there was an overriding scent of bleach that gave the tired room a sanitised feel. Opposite the door, a wall of thick metal bars crossed to form small squares. On the other side, the large, male tiger paced.

  Max turned on a fan heater in the corner of the room and fired up the kettle. He nodded towards the armchair. ‘Have a seat.’

  Tabitha sank into the chair gratefully. She was starting to thaw and the scent of fresh coffee was sparking her system in anticipation.

  She had a great view of the tigers. The male still paced, but the female lolled on the straw next to the wall. She hadn’t taken her eyes off Max since they walked in.

  Tabitha frowned. It was amazing to get this kind of view, but she hated seeing the cats cooped up like this. She pulled out her sketch book and started blocking out the lines.

  Max handed her a coffee. It was stronger than she would have liked, but the heat warmed her freezing hands and defrosted her insides so she sipped it gratefully.

  ‘Do I need a coaster?’ she asked, inclining her head towards the chest of drawers next to her. Scruffy though it was, it was made of mahogany and could have been beautiful. She didn’t want to damage it any further.

  Max handed her a bit of cardboard and she grinned as she took it, put it on the dark surface and sat her coffee on top.

  Max was as good as his word. He went into the small anteroom and didn’t interrupt her at all. She could hear him banging around as he cleaned and tidied, heard the occasional curse followed by the crash of things falling off a shelf, but he left her alone.

  Her hand flew across the page, bringing the tigers to life. She sang to herself, forcing her mind to stay on the job and remain present. As she moved into a more detailed layer, her mind shifted. She fought to remain alert as she drew, but the lull of her hand dragged her deeper into trance.

  A tiger walked through the trees, moving silently across the twigs and dried leaves. It was relaxed but wild, and Tabitha kept herself insubstantial as it passed a breath away. At the last moment, it swung its head around, its yellow eyes boring into the space she inhabited. Had it seen her? As if in answer, it threw its head back and roared.

  The sound of a van brought her back to the present. The female cat rose to her feet, a growl rumbling through her throat. Tabitha smiled. ‘Don’t worry, sweetie. We’ll get you out of here somehow.’

  Wildley Forest was a leading conservation zoo that regularly reintroduced animals to the wild and had established entire populations in areas where species had become extinct. But for some reason, the big cats were excluded from any such program and the only reason Tabitha could think of was Max. She looked up as he came back into the room, wondering what secrets were hidden beneath his tense, muscular frame. But he wasn’t giving anything away.

  ‘I’ve been meaning to ask,’ Tabitha said, putting her pencil down and taking a few pictures with her phone. ‘Is the zoo involved in any tiger conservation? I’ve been looking online and the tigers are the only animals not covered. Could these tigers ever be reintroduced to the wild?’

  ‘No, but they can be bred.’

  ‘And what happens to the cubs?’ Tabitha stood, set her sketchpad on the seat of the chair, and walked nearer to the bars, studying the tigers.

  ‘What’s all this about, Tabitha?’

  ‘I spend all this time drawing and painting the cats, and I’d like to give something back. That’s why I moved here. I want to be close enough to visit regularly, but I’m keen to get involved with tiger conservation as well.’

  Max shoved his hands in his pockets. ‘That’s why you come? Are those the only reasons?’

  Tabitha frowned. ‘What other reason would there be?’

  Max flushed to his roots, but said nothing.

  Tabitha looked at her watch. ‘Oh, goodness. Is that the time? Thank you so much, Max, but I have a meeting in five minutes. I’ve made a great start though. I can continue this from home.’

  ‘Come back after your meeting.’

  Tabitha gave a tight smile. ‘Thank you, but I need to open the shop. Maybe another time.’ She slid her book into her bag and slipped past him and out the door.

  9

  Tabitha

  Tabitha sat by the window of the cafeteria, watching a family cooing over the monkeys that swarmed across the trees in the large enclosure next to the children’s play area. She loved seeing these tableaus of family life, even though they sparked her loneliness.

  A tall woman in a black suit, a white shirt and flat, black ballet pumps walked into the cafe. She squinted into the bright autumn sunshine, scanning the expanse of empty tables. Smoothing a wayward strand of brown hair which had escaped the knot at the nape of her neck, she held her hand over her eyes to block out the glare. She wasn’t wearing any make-up but, even at this time of year, she had a slight tan from working outdoors. Her gaze swept past Tabitha.

  Tabitha stood up, straightening her clothes. She had dressed in skinny jeans and a knee length tunic, brightly coloured and clasped in at the waist with a wide belt. She did not look like she was here for a business meeting.

  ‘Ursula?’ Tabitha walked towards the woman, shoulders back, both hands outstretched. She loved the flicker of surprise that flashed across the woman’s eyes.

  ‘Tara.’ Ursula grasped them. I’m so honoured to meet you. I have been an admirer of yours for a long time.’

  ‘That’s very kind.’ Tabitha smiled and gave Ursula’s hands a squeeze.

  Ursula took a deep breath then released it, allowing her shoulders to relax. ‘Can I get you a coffee?’

  ‘I’m good, thanks.’ Tabitha let go of her hands and gestured at her reusable, bamboo cup. ‘I’ve spent so much time here, they have it waiting for me when I arrive.’ She winked.

  Ursula laughed, sliding onto the bench opposite Tabitha’s things. ‘I think I’ve seen you around. You sketch near the tiger enclosure? I didn’t realise who you were though. Max referred to you as Tabitha.’

  Tabitha shrugged. ‘I work as Tara. I live as Tabitha. I prefer to be anonymous and my public profile doesn’t allow for that. My cover won’t last long, but if you could help me preserve it for a while, I’d appreciate it.’

  ‘Of course.’ Ursula beamed. ‘I’m so excited about our project. I’ve been pestering Max for his tiger conservation plans so I can work out where we can build and expand, and where we’re working from scratch. I haven’t received any information from him yet, but I will give you more detail as soon as I can.’

  ‘Listen,’ Tabitha leaned forwards, propping her elbows on her knees. ‘Does Max have any interest in conservation at all? I keep asking him about it, but he’s so evasive. Is he going to be a problem for us?’

  ‘You don’t trust him?’

  Tabitha shrugged. ‘I’m just not sure yet.’

  Ursula sighed. ‘I don’t blame you. But if he doesn’t engage in tiger conservation projects, he is not doing his job properly and I need to keep records of that. If he makes problems for you, please do let me know.’

  Tabitha tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. She looked at Ursula, wondering how much she could trust the woman. She had always seemed very open on the phone, and genuinely excited abou
t tiger conservation.

  Ursula tilted her head. ‘Is something wrong?’

  Tabitha released a breath slowly. She had no idea whether or not this was a good idea, but it could be her only chance to do something. ‘I can’t really back any of this up, but I don’t have a good feeling about Max. If you tell me what kind of evidence you need, I’ll keep a look out.’

  Ursula swallowed. ‘I’m embarrassed to say my boss, Sophie, has a thing for Max. Unfortunately, he knows it. He flirts mercilessly with her and gets away with a ridiculous amount. But if you see any indication that he is obstructing our conservation efforts, or mistreating the cats, please do tell me.’

  Tabitha nodded. ‘I will. In the meantime, let’s talk tiger territories. She opened the huge ring binder that sat next to her on the table. She handed Ursula a map, divided up into pale yellow sections. ‘This one is in India. There’s a large amount of agricultural land right next to a huge, but overcrowded reserve. We would be allowed to buy this to rewild. We would use native tree and plant species to expand the habitat, allowing the animals to roam further. The best bit is a stream that runs down one side. We would have water. I was hoping to find somewhere we could release our tigers, but the area is already overcrowded. I have a friend, though, who owns a very large and luxurious wildlife sanctuary. I will find out whether he has a home for two extra cats.’

  Ursula poured over the map. ‘This looks perfect for our project. I’m not sure about our tigers though. They have always lived in captivity. They wouldn’t be suitable candidates for release.’

  Tabitha shrugged. ‘Then a sanctuary is an even better option. They’ll have much more space than here, and they’ll be in their proper habitat, but cared for.’

  Ursula swallowed. ‘I would need to persuade Sophie to let the tigers go. That’s a big ask. They are one of the zoo’s top draws.’

  Tabitha leaned her chair back on its hind legs, folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. ‘I know you’d lose valuable animals, but I can offer financial compensation, and the press coverage of the project would be awesome. I suggest we launch a fundraising effort to run alongside my own donation so we can keep developing the territory. I’d be happy to offer a painting. That should raise a large sum. The territory would be a long-term project for the zoo, would provide thirty-seven local people with job opportunities and education, and put you right up there in terms of tiger conservation. If that doesn’t appeal, I guess I’m wasting my time here.’

  ‘No!’ Ursula let out a slow exhale. ‘I’ll make it work. Just give me some time to win Sophie over. And Max.’

  Tabitha nodded. ‘If you want to appeal to Max, you’ll have to go through his ego.’

  ‘Could you talk to him?’

  ‘Huh.’ Tabitha took a gulp of coffee. ‘Max likes to educate the scatty artist. He doesn’t take me seriously.’

  Ursula frowned. ‘You don’t strike me as the kind of woman who would put up with that.’

  Tabitha grinned. ‘Sometimes it serves my purpose. He can think what he wants about me. I just want to draw the tigers and help them get back where they belong. I’m afraid Max is your problem.’ Tabitha handed Ursula a small pile of paper. ‘These are your copies of the proposal. Have a look, and then we can talk again. I need to know within ten days whether you’re in.’ Tabitha stood and picked up a satchel from the ground by her feet. ‘You have my number and I’m by the tiger enclosure most days, so if you have any questions come and find me.’

  Ursula stood up and held out her hand. A grin spread across her face. ‘This is the most exciting project I’ve ever had the chance to work on. Thank you for coming to me. I promise I will do everything in my power to make it happen.’

  Tabitha clasped the offered hand in both of her own. ‘Just remember,’ she said, holding Ursula’s gaze. ‘It’s all about the tigers. Nothing else really matters.’

  10

  Tabitha

  Tabitha groaned as she spotted her parents sitting in their enormous car outside her house, the engine running. She jogged over and knocked on the window with her knuckles.

  Her dad looked up, grinned and opened the window. ‘There you are. We’ve been waiting for over an hour.’

  ‘I hope you haven’t had the engine running all that time?’ Tabitha raised her eyebrows.

  ‘If you’d been here, we wouldn’t have had to,’ her mum snapped, getting out of the car. ‘I’ve been freezing in here.’

  ‘Maybe tell me you’re coming next time, and I’ll make sure I’m ready and waiting.’ Tabitha walked up the path to the cottage, unlocked the door, and stood back, holding it open to allow them in. She had been hoping to put them off until the house was finished. As it was, it was nearly done, but she knew they would notice every flaw.

  Her mum looked around, her arms tightly folded. ‘It’s certainly different. Surely you have the money for something better?’

  Tabitha forced a smile. ‘I have the money for whatever I want. This is what I want.’

  ‘Well, it will do for a while, I suppose.’ Her dad walked around, peering at the paintings on display. ‘How many of these are taken?’

  ‘About half,’ Tabitha said with a shrug. ‘I’ll box those up within the next few days, and more are heading for a gallery in London at the end of the month. I’ll just keep enough for my display here.’

  ‘And is the plan working? Are you getting more done so close to the tigers?’ He opened her sales log, which sat by the till and ran his finger down the columns.

  Tabitha slammed the book shut, only just missing his fingers.

  He gave her a look.

  ‘I’m certainly not missing the long bus journey from my old place, but it’s a bit soon to see that reflected in my accounts. I haven’t even finished unpacking yet.’

  ‘Never mind your father,’ her mum said, putting a hand on her arm. ‘Let’s go upstairs. You can show me around and put the kettle on.’

  Tabitha’s gaze swept over the unfinished sketch on her easel. She had planned an afternoon of drawing and unpacking. Lovely as it was to see her parents, this would put everything back. Still, there was no choice now. ‘Come on then,’ she said, and held the door at the bottom of the stairs open.

  Her father held back, his fingers straying to the sales book unconsciously.

  ‘You too, dad,’ she said, narrowing her eyes at him. ‘This is my business and I’m running it very successfully. I don’t need you checking up on me.’

  He looked about to object, but she raised her eyebrows and he sighed. ‘Okay then. A coffee wouldn’t go amiss.’ He walked over to her, pausing in front of her to pinch her cheek. ‘You’re grown up now, I guess.’

  She batted his hand away. ‘Yes, I am. Thank you for noticing.’ She ushered him up the stairs and closed the door firmly behind them.

  11

  Dylan

  Dylan woke to a familiar sinking disappointment. He blinked, trying to bring the room into focus. He was in his old room at his mum’s house. For a moment, he couldn’t remember why he wasn’t at the flat, and then it all came back. He had been too irritated with his friends, and had come here to avoid them. He sighed, sat up and looked at his watch. His eyes focused on the date and a stab of excitement shot through him. He smiled. It was his day off. Ten minutes later, he was showered and dressed waiting for the kettle to boil.

  ‘Why are you in such a rush? I thought you weren’t going into work today.’ Rachel yawned as she came into the kitchen, a blanket draped over her shoulders.

  ‘I’m going up to the zoo.’

  She grinned.

  He smiled. ‘Stop it. I need a day out. Will you be okay on your own?’

  ‘Aren’t I always?’ She was silent for a moment and then turned to him. ‘You can’t stay here looking after me forever, Dylan.’

  ‘But it’s always been the two of us. What would you do?’

  ‘I’m a grown-up, sweetie. I was a grown-up before you arrived and I’ll be a grown-up long after you’ve moved out. I
adore you, you know that, but you’re not the only one looking out for me. Go out and shine. You don’t have to stick with Instantaneous Rock. If your dreams don’t match theirs, break free. Show the world what Dylan McKenzie can do and get to know Tabitha.’

  ‘Who said anything about Tabitha?’

  Rachel suppressed a smile. ‘Isn’t she why you’re going to the zoo? That girl is more than you could possibly imagine. I’m not surprised she has scared your friends off. They could never measure up to her and I bet they know it.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Dylan leaned forwards, propping his elbows on the breakfast bar, looking his mum in the eye.

  There was a pause. Rachel grinned. ‘I get a good feeling about Tabitha and I know you do too or we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Dylan, some people lift us up and some people drag us down. Give her a chance to show you which of those she is. And think about who and what you really want in your life. Now, go. Have some fun. You deserve it.’

  Dylan laughed. He downed the last of his coffee then pulled on his coat. ‘See you later?’

  ‘Always.’ Rachel winked and then turned and started tidying the kitchen, humming to herself as she worked.

  Dylan paid for his ticket and zipped up his coat. This was a stupid idea. What good would it do to see these tigers? The cat he had seen was something different entirely. It was colder here than in the village and he wished he’d brought a scarf and gloves. Walking in through the gate, he paused to look at the penguins that were swimming around a huge glass tank near the entrance. There was a man standing in the middle of the water, throwing fish to them and their excitement was palpable.

  He looked at his map, crossed the road and started walking up the path that would lead him to the tigers. There was hardly anyone here. In summer this place would be heaving. On sunny bank holidays there were queues right the way through the village, but today was neither sunny nor a bank holiday. The chill wind had a knife edge that cut through the too-thin coat Dylan was wearing. He ducked into a small shop to buy a hat and scarf. They only sold zoo merchandise, so he was now the proud owner of penguin mittens and a sloth hat. He zipped his jacket up. Warmer now, he felt as though he had the whole place to himself and breathed the cold, fresh air deep into his lungs.